In the fall of 2003 I returned to Utah to visit familiar places and see
new ones. I always spend a few days exploring Zion National Park because of its unique combination of light and spectacular
scenery. Early in the morning I was walking up a canyon and saw an oak
grove with the red leaves of some maple trees adding a colorful accent.
Though I have been to this spot before I was unable to find anything worth
photographing previously. Wandering from the trail, I came upon a
campsite and a large sheet of plastic that had been left behind. I picked
it up to take out of the area, and when I walked back to my pack I saw this
grouping of trees. The light was perfect and they were arranged in a way
that made me feel astonished at their beauty. Suddenly it seemed as if I was walking
on holy ground.

In complete awe, an hour later I had exposed ten sheets of 4x5 film while
watching the light change. Many exposure times were from 30 seconds to a
full minute. Fortunately the air was completely still and not even a blade
of grass was moving most of the time. I could not believe what I had just
done, seeing such an inspiring landscape and having the perfect conditions to
make a photograph that communicates the reverence I feel for this place.
The trees in this print appear like guardians protecting something near and
powerful, yet unseen .

This special morning was only beginning. Later in my hike I came upon a
cottonwood tree with golden leaves and a graceful form and made another
photograph, once again being guided by something near and powerful, yet unseen.
I could not view what lay beyond these oaks, but on the film is
evidence of something there that touched me spiritually.